Thornberry to retain key military positions

Congressman Mac Thornberry, R-Clarendon, speaks at a round table discussion with Amarillo businessmen at the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Clarendon, will resume his key post as vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee in the 113th Congress and will retain his senior role on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

New House committee appointments became official last week.

“Helping to lead the Armed Services Committee gives me a chance to shape policies that affect our military, our readiness and our capabilities for years to come,” Thornberry said. “With the country facing issues such as automatic sequestration cuts, the war in Afghanistan, nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea, cybersecurity and the spread of terrorism, serving at such a critical time to our national security is a great privilege and responsibility.”

Thornberry also will serve as chairman of the freshly renamed Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

The subcommittee oversees counterterrorism programs and initiatives, U.S. Special Operations Forces, research and development and counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The subcommittee also will be responsible for certain national intelligence programs and Department of Defense elements that are part of the intelligence community.

“Mac is a strong and well-respected voice on defense issues, and he is also an effective leader for both the country and his district,” McKeon said. “His appointment as vice chairman of the committee will allow him to use his considerable talent to focus on some of the most challenging national security issues facing our country.”